Modest Beginnings, Mighty Impact: How Latisha Owens Keeps the Wheel Turning

By Sheldon Freeman, Staff

Sometimes success can seem to be only about being the fastest and the loudest; however, for 11 years, Latisha Owens (Cincinnati 2021) has trusted God through obstacles, proving that it doesn’t take speed and volume to have a mighty impact on youth and our communities.

In 2014, Latisha created Guiding Light Mentoring, an organization dedicated to serving youth ages 8 to 18 in the greater Cincinnati area by providing positive role models, teaching relationship skills, and helping develop moral character. In obedience to God, Latisha started the nonprofit with just five mentors and five mentees and no budget—believing so strongly in her calling that she used her own money to fund the organization.

Although Latisha’s background is firmly entrenched in youth mental health services as a case manager and youth advocate, her call to youth mentoring wasn’t always clear. “My own aspirations were more centered on specific community-focused projects, such as establishing a group home, a homeless shelter, and a day care center,” says Latisha. However, as attempts to pursue those ventures didn’t work, God shifted her direction to where she is today. “I believe God has called me to this work precisely because it isn’t anything I initially envisioned for myself.”

Seeds were planted early. “Looking back, it makes sense that this is my path,” she reminisced. “God seemingly placed crucial role models and mentors in my life from an early age, in both elementary and high school,” making the mentoring work she’s doing today feel more natural.

Ten youth. That is not a large number to Latisha, but that is how many young people Guiding Light’s We Help Elevate and Empower Learning (W.H.E.E.L.) after-school program helps each semester. They work with third through fifth graders at Westwood Elementary, providing mentoring, study support, and wellness resources, including family financial literacy and strengthening relationships between youth and parents. For the youth they’ve served, the impact is evident: 60 percent of participants improve academic performance, and participants have a 90 percent reduction in behavior-based referrals.

The need to serve Cincinnati’s youth is large, but for those who serve as Guiding Light mentors, the focus is on perseverance and consistently showing up. One mentor contends that something as simple as believing in youth and telling them they are the future can help them believe in themselves and build confidence to see greater possibilities in life.

Most urban leaders agree that impact doesn’t come without obstacles. Latisha has faced funding sustainability, mentor shortages, and issues finding trustworthy partners, which has limited programming scope. However, she refuses to let discouragement get in the way. “My faith helps me,” Latisha says. “You know you won’t fail when it’s something God has given you; He’s going to see it through until it’s done.” She continues to find the grants her organization needs and is expanding the number of services and contracts it provides.

Another way God has come through is via a partnership with DVULI alumnus Orlando Hale (Cincinnati 2021) and his organization, the Centers for Restoration and Collective Impact (CRC Impact). “This collaboration has been extremely beneficial,” Latisha remarks. While her goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those she serves, her organization’s strategic planning lacked in certain areas. As co-leader of W.H.E.E.L., Orlando brings valuable experience to assist in strategic planning and program development, which Latisha says was instrumental in revamping it. “His expertise has helped us deepen the program’s impact by ensuring we take a comprehensive, holistic approach with the youth we serve.” Their strategic partnership shows the power of leveraging resources to accomplish a goal.

For Latisha, reaching goals and sustaining success means maintaining personal balance, which is not always easy. She has grown more effective at managing work and personal life by setting clear boundaries. “Using a separate work cell phone that I switch off daily at 5 p.m. has been crucial,” Latisha states. “This simple practice prevents work calls from intruding on my personal time,” helping her avoid burnout and maintain mental peace. Delegation has also taken pressure off, such as adding a program coordinator to help manage her mentor program, which Latisha describes as a “significant blessing.” She is no longer the one everyone counts on to keep things running, which she says was taxing.

When Latisha reflects on where she’s been, she says, “I am most proud of two things our organization has accomplished. First, the longevity and resilience of still being in business after 11 years.” In addition, she is proud of the trust she’s built with the families she supports and the tangible impact she’s seen. “Receiving [positive] feedback and testimonials from the youth, mentors, and families about their experiences in our program is incredibly touching and rewarding,” she remarks. The work is working.

Going forward, it is Latisha’s prayer that she and her organization stay the course by keeping focused on the specific journey God has for them instead of falling into the trap of comparing themselves to others. Latisha knows the journey won’t always go smoothly, but her resiliency and Guiding Light’s consistent success show that impact isn’t measured by how fast the wheels spin. It’s measured by the load they carry, and for Latisha, hers is mighty.